Fluoride linked to lower IQ in kids

New NIH report

By Tami Stevenson

The U.S. has been adding fluoride to public drinking water since the mid 20th century. Americans believed it was to promote healthy teeth by helping to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel. But new reports show a neuropsychiatric risk associated with fluoride exposure and has become a hot topic in Florida.

     New legislation related to the state Department of Agriculture, which includes a proposal to ban fluoridation in water systems throughout Florida, was introduced by Republican Senator Keith Truenow, on February 13, 2025. The bill (SB 700) has been dubbed ‘The Farm Bill’ by Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who is said to support it.

     The legislation, which is a broader package of laws that this would be a part of, is expected to be considered during the next legislative session that begins March 4.

     Last November, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo issued guidance recommending the removal of fluoride from public water systems, citing a recent report by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that showed a link between higher levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in kids.

     Within the last few months, local government leaders across Florida are voting to ban fluoride in public drinking water. According to Health News Florida, so far, Winter Haven, Fort Pierce, Niceville, Ormond Beach, Immokalee, Naples, Tavares, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Lee and Collier, have voted to ban fluoride in their drinking water and the list is growing.

     Currently many municipalities across the U.S. and several European countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, and Sweden, have eliminated water fluoridation.

        According to Ladapo, Floridians should be aware of safety concerns related to systemic fluoride exposure including:  

• Adverse effects in children reducing IQ, cognitive impairment, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. 

• Increased neurobehavioral problems in children whose mothers ingested fluoride during pregnancy. 

• Accumulation of fluoride in the pineal gland, causing sleep cycle disturbance.  

• Skeletal fluorosis, which could increase the risk of bone fracture. 

• Potential risk of premature menarche in adolescent girls. 

• Potential suppression of the thyroid gland by inhibiting iodine absorption.

Due to the neuropsychiatric risk associated with fluoride exposure, particularly in pregnant women and children, and the wide availability of alternative/topical sources of fluoride for dental health, the State Surgeon General recommends against community water fluoridation.